The Caribbean is one of those holiday destinations that never loses its allure, and is still one of the most desirable places to visit. However, the economy has not been kind to us over the past few years which makes splashing out thousands of pounds on a luxury holiday something of a borderline impossibility.
But does a tight budget mean that you should miss out on the delights of the Caribbean? Well no, it shouldn’t.
If you shop around for the best priced flights, look at going out of the peak season and choose your resorts carefully there is no reason you shouldn’t find cheap holiday deals in the Caribbean.
Keeping the costs down
Choosing the right flights and resorts is only the first step to seeing the Caribbean on a budget – there are lots of ways to keep the costs down once you’re out there. Eating out may sound like the expensive option, but it doesn’t have to be. By searching out local eateries that are frequented by the locals and are priced for the locals (as opposed to rich tourists) you can get a truly authentic experience.
When travelling, opt for public transport, with regular buses that will cost you a fraction of the price of a taxi. Haggling is also a way of life in the Caribbean. It is expected that you will haggle prices down so you should never accept the first offer. By doing this you will be able to find some great deals.
The best place to look is the Dominican Republic, which has some great resorts at an affordable price.
Puerto Plata
Puerto Plata is off the beaten tourist tracks and is a great place to go if you want to sample a bit of real Caribbean culture. Puerto Plata is also a great destination if you are the adventurous type, with the nearby spectacular Damaiaqua Cascades (27 waterfalls). There are also a range of popular water sports available.
The resort also offers cheaper accommodation than other resorts, and although it tends to be more ‘rustic’ than the swanky hotels available elsewhere, it means that there are some great deals to be had.
Punta Cana
Punta Cana is more popular with holiday goers who want the all-inclusive experience, and if you shop around you will be able to find a package to suit your pocket. If you make the trip to Punta Cana you won’t be disappointed, as the resort is famous for its stunning white-sand beaches and crystal clear seas. It is a more ‘touristy’ than some other resorts on the island but this does mean that there is a wide selection of hotels and restaurants to choose from at very reasonable prices.
Although often thought as a destination only for the rich and famous, a Caribbean holiday on a budget is more than achievable if you shop around and you’re relatively thrifty once you get there.